After conversing with some of the gents here, ive decided to start / keep a training log here...firstly because it will let me look back at my training, and secondly, i hope it will be spark some new idea's for others.

Ive been training for some 20 years now, over the last 5 years i have been intensely researching exercise physiology, nutrition, bio-mechanics and evolution / paleontology (i've learned more about the body through that field of study than any other). I use logic and reason as my guide, i am a critical thinker, and believe that any opinion without scientific base is worthless - there is no room for the arbitrary in science (as Mike Mentzer would have said).

My focus is specifically on hypertrophy training, not strength training, they are two different things altogether (and am not just talking about rep ranges here). I have no desire to ever compete, i do this as it is a wonderful endeavor in and of itself.

Training wise, i been into the theory of H.I.T for the last 14 years, i recent times i've implemented the use of Brain Johnston's techniques, such as cluster sets, zone training, 1 1/4 reps. These techniques produce more of a bodybuilding effect than traditionally performed reps, i'll explain them in more detail in due course. My preference is with machines, for a couple of reasons, firstly because they allow me to focus more on the contraction, secondly because i have a herniated disc in my lower back (L4-L5), i find certain machine exercises to be easier on my back.

Diet wise, i'm a very plain eater, i eat 5-6 times per day, bar on two days of the week, of those days i fast for 20-24 hours, on those fasting days i only eat twice, i began IFing two years ago, its had a very positive effect on my blood pressure, resting heart rate and recovery ability.I don't consume any wheat nor do i use supplements, for me, my main food sources are certain oil's such as coconut and olive, fruit & vegetables, oats, wholegrain rice, nuts & seeds, dried fruits, quinoa, certain Beans etc...just the basics. I don't count calories or ratios etc, LOL... if counting calories in vs calories out was necessary - we may never have made it as a species!

2. Calf Presses on the LP 220kgs x 8 reps to failure (holding the contraction for 5 seconds per rep)

3. Weighted Prone Hypers (1 1/4 reps)BW + 20kgs x 14 reps to failure

* 3 Deep breaths in between each cluster set** each of my workouts take only 10-20 minutes to complete (intensity of effort is the key, not duration)

The 1 1/4 rep method: Take a bench press for example, you lower the weight to the bottom position, pause, then press up only a 1/4 of the way, pause, then lower to the bottom position again, pause, then press to the top. This would count as one rep.

Another example is let say on a pec deck flye, from the stretched position bring the weight into the fully contracted position, pause, then lower the weight only a 1/4 of the way, pause, then bring back into the fully contracted position, pause, then lower the weight into the stretched position, this would count as one rep.

The benefit of this method: On isolation movements you'll get twice as many contractions per set, and thus create more congestion within the muscles in a much shorter amount of time. On compound movements such as Bench Presses and Leg Presses etc, you wont be able to explode of the stretched position, you'll be forced to control the weight in the bottom / hardest position, to do this you'll need to reduce your weight by 20-30% of what you'd normally use.

Great stuff Rob, I will be following along for sure. Can you explain more about the 'cluster reps'?

Look forward to following both your updates and your progress! All the best MF.

Hi MF,Thanks mate,

The cluster sets is a rest pause method, it creates more of a cumulative fatigue effect which really extenuates the pump while still keeping the exercise within a anaerobic pathway (10-20 seconds bouts of activity, followed by 10-20 second rest pauses).

Brain Johnston explains...Pick a weight that would allow you to get 10-12 reps to failure (or close to it) with good form, with this weight you will perform 5 mini sets of 3 reps each, taking 3 deep breaths into between each mini set. If you get to the last mini set and you can perform more than 3 reps, do so, that last mini set is to taken failure.

*CAUTION*Movements such as Squats, Bent Over BB Rows or Deadlifts, do not lend themselves to this method, as the deep lower back muscles (multifidus) do give out quickly, and thus may potentially cause a lower back injury.

Last edited by HIT Rob on Mon May 27, 2013 6:21 am, edited 1 time in total.

glad youve made a journal mate! will be interesting to follow along! planning on using some of the techniques youve mentioned already!

Hi MB,Thanks Mate,

Good stuff, when using these techniques, it may take a few workouts to get used to them, you'll be forced to reduce the weight on 1 1/4 reps and zone training (J-Reps) by up to 20-30%, however you'll find the bodybuilding effect to be greater.

I just recently heard about this zone training and other HIT stuff, and it sounds like something to try since I have became bored of the standard method, so I'm starting a similar approach now too. Should be interesting to see how your progress goes.

I just recently heard about this zone training and other HIT stuff, and it sounds like something to try since I have became bored of the standard method, so I'm starting a similar approach now too. Should be interesting to see how your progress goes.

Hi Kon,

I've been training in H.I.T style for 14 years (bar a several year stint in which wasnt allowed to train due to health issues), there are many approach's of H.I.T, the Dorian Yates approach, Mike Mentzers, Arthur Jones / Darden full body workouts style, Superslow, John Littles Max Contraction Training / static training, Brain Johnston's Zone Training & Tri-Angler training method to name a few...

The problem i've come to find with H.I.T, is the focus thats put on becoming stronger and stronger for the purpose of building muscle (progressive loading is important, but it should not be the key focus for a bodybuilder), strength training and bodybuilding are to different things altogether, i dont know how many times i've read experienced hitters testimonies saying "I got much stronger, yet size did not follow" or "I become more and more de-conditioned training so infrequently", or "My CNS was being overloaded".I can say from years of personal experience.... i found those statements to be true, as rather than cycle the intensity of effort, most H.I.T trainers recommend training more and more infrequently as you become stronger, AND / OR they recommend reducing the volume of work to as low as only one or two exercise's per workout, this is why so many individuals in H.I.T become de-conditioned.

Brain Johnston is one of the first guys in the H.I.T circles to really address this issue and question the theories of the traditional H.I.T that have become "set in stone", his arguments against this are logical and scientific, there is no "one size fits all " is exercise physiology, hes developed and advocates techniques that produce much more of a bodybuilding effect and that are not as stressful on the CNS, If your training for hypertrophy specifically, then i'd strongly recommend his approach, best wishes and good luck with your H.I.T journey.

I'm really liking this high intensity training. Been reading your journal. Thanks for posting, its great to steal workout ideas from each other on here. Although Im super lazy when it comes to posting workout details.

Been using the pre-exhaustion technique this week, ie pec deck for chest, pullover for the lats and leg extension for the Quads. Its a low stress high intensity technique.

BODY-PARTS AND EXERCISES I DON'T DO....

Shoulders: I feel the frontal delts get sufficient stimulation from incline / decline presses and Dips, so as to reduce any overlapping, i no longer use an overhead press movement, i also dont include any direct rear delt work as i feel they receive more than enough work from back training.

Traps: Im a big Steve Reeves fan, and Steve felt that the bodybuilder should not over develop this muscle group as they can take away from you v-taper... (though he did consume meat and eggs, he would have what he called carb loading "vegan days" 3 days a week. Here he is at his best...http://ilarge.listal.com/image/866176/9 ... reeves.jpg

Abs: I've always felt that AB training was overrated, i feel the abs get sufficient stimulation from most other exercises.

Hamstrings: I've never been a fan of leg curls (seated, lying or standing), i always felt that prone hypers and stiff legged deadlifts were more productive for working the rear chain.

Going to be doing a little experiment with myself in the coming weeks regarding training frequency....

I'm going to be training 2-3 days in a row, followed by 4-5 days rest (or longer if need be). This is another idea brought about by Brain Johnston, he states...

"The metabolism is increased for 24-48 hours after a workout, by training on 3 consecutive days, you can ride a "metabolic wave" of sorts. Working out, then taking a couple of days off, its as though the body enters into a slightly depressed state, but by working out a few days consecutively, the alarm reaction remains heightened and constant."

This makes sense to me, and there is research being done into this phenomenon in Italy.

I'm also going to be focusing more on J-Reps specifically, at 6'4 and having long levers, partial rep style training is something of an equalizer for the taller athlete (but still working all ranges). I also find i get a better bodybuilding effect from J-Reps, while at the same time, recover quicker since my CNS isn't being overloading with maximum loads / resistance. I'll report my findings in due course.

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